I am Dr. Marie-Sabine Thomas, a trained Naturopathic Physician and a fellow at Bastyr University Research Institute.

The purpose of this blog is to educate people so that they can make informed decisions about their health. I answer burning questions about natural medicine and discuss research findings that can better support wellness. I invite you to join the discussion!

While money doesn’t grow on trees, the future of a country’s physical and economic landscape certainly depends on its vegetation. Such is the case of several medicinal trees and plants we continue to re-discover on the island nation of Ayiti (Haiti). The island is a veritable source of botanical treasures. Botanical treasures that can contribute to sustainable economic growth, overall health and reforestation efforts.

Anecdotes from elders and stories from traditional healers, complement contemporary medical and scientific knowledge of these plant treasures that further confirm that folkloric roots should not be altogether ignored. The richness of the knowledge of indigenous and traditional medicines throughout the world, is not passed down to younger generations. So, countless easy to grow plants and fruit trees that could support and generate health are no longer being planted or are cultivated at a rate of near extinction.

After spending a long time inspecting the ingredients on all the snack bar choices in the local food store, none of them -or at least their ingredients-justified a purchase to satisfy my craving. They had too much sugar, lacked good protein and contained many ingredients that had no nutritional value. However, I will be the first on to share that munching on a healthy and nutritious bar is an great way to curb mid-morning or mid-afternoon cravings. So imagine my let down when I can’t find the bars with the right crunch and combination.

With the help of nutritionist extraordinaire Ms. Syreeta Bernal, I have decided to make my own collection and I am sharing the nutritious fun with you. This by the way is a quick ploy to get other family members to chime in and create their own bar “menu” by choosing their own ingredients.

Monday night, September 12th 2011, here I was at the beginning of my (very packed) two weeks trip to Haiti. I was focused on the goals to establish relationships with a botanical garden and a farmer’s organization to plant indigenous medicinal gardens and compostable latrines. On my parents’ native island of Ayti where there are thousands of medicinal plants and a rich history of indigenous/traditional healing practices, it only makes sense to blend my love for natural medicine and my medical training with my passion for the renaissance of edible and medicinal gardens in Haiti!

If you grew up consuming coconut oil, you are either confused or indifferent about the craze of this not so “new” superfood, because you already knew of its greatness! Turns out this oil has quite the impressive resume and for good reasons. Our parents and grand-parents really knew how to benefit from its properties.

Weight loss, Heart and Brain

Yes, it is one of the top recommended oils for anyone going through a weight loss program or a timely change in lifestyle – as I often refer to it. Coconut oil contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), making it one of the easiest oils for our body to metabolize. It contains polyphenols, which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil doesn’t have negative effects on cholesterol and heart disease and therefore helps promote brain and heart health. If you like its genuine, nutty and sweet flavors, buy the extra virgin coconut oil. Your coconut infused grain, meat or vegetable dishes as well as condiments will love you for it and so will hungry bellies.

Skin and Hair

This extremely versatile oil is solid at room temperature and naturally dissolves once it comes in contact with skin or heat. I recently used it for those pesky dry spots on my elbows and heels. It can be mixed with other natural skin, hair products or pomades for a wonderful scent and texture. It is not too oily and gets quickly absorbed by the skin. some of my fellow naturopathic physicians and massage therapists use it for body work. If you want to take advantage of its emollient properties without its sweet smell, buy the refined odorless version and mix it with essential oils such as lavender, geranium or rose. Heavens to the nose and skin….!

Other usages..

Sprinkle warmed coconut oil on top of freshly popped-corn, add a teaspoon in your smoothies for taste, and a robust flavor. Apply as you would lotions or pomades on your damp skin after a shower and pad (instead of wipe) your body dry. I hope to create herb and flower infused coconut oils for holiday gifts. If you have other usages for this super oil let me know, I will spread the word!